The UK government announced the suspension of free trade negotiations with Israel and imposed new sanctions targeting West Bank settlers. This decision follows mounting pressure on Israel due to its ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel's policies as "morally unjustifiable" and "incompatible" with UK values. Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. The UK’s actions come amid a broader international response, with the EU also reviewing its trade agreements with Israel.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, global leaders, including those from the U.K., France, and Canada, have called for Israel to allow immediate access to humanitarian aid. The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the U.S. and Israel, faces criticism for its perceived politicization of aid. Humanitarian groups argue that existing organizations already have the capacity to deliver aid effectively, while the GHF's approach may exacerbate the situation. Reports indicate that despite some aid entering Gaza, logistical challenges and military operations hinder its distribution, leaving many Palestinians in dire need of assistance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region for the first time since claiming to have expelled Ukrainian forces in April. The visit, described as a "working trip," included meetings with local officials and volunteers, as well as a tour of the Kursk-II nuclear power plant. This comes amid escalating tensions, with Ukraine reporting six servicemen killed in a missile strike during the same period. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing drone attacks and failed ceasefire negotiations, as both sides prepare for potential further conflict.
A significant drone attack by Ukraine targeted the Bolkhov Semiconductor Device Plant in Russia's Oryol region, causing damage and igniting a fire. The Ukrainian military confirmed that ten drones successfully hit the plant, which produces components for military applications, including missiles. In response, the Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 159 drones across multiple regions, including Moscow, leading to temporary flight restrictions at local airports. Despite the scale of the attack, officials from Oryol stated that there were no casualties reported.
Israel's renewed ground offensive in Gaza has sparked widespread international condemnation as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. Reports indicate that airstrikes have killed over 55 Palestinians in recent days, with many more displaced amid ongoing military operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to seize control of Gaza, while international leaders from Britain, France, and Canada have threatened punitive measures against Israel if it does not cease its military actions and allow more humanitarian aid into the region. The United Nations has criticized the limited aid being permitted as insufficient to address the dire needs of the population.
Andriy Portnov, a former aide to ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, was shot dead outside the elite American School in Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. local time, when Portnov was reportedly dropping off his children. Witnesses described the attack as a "professional hit," with multiple gunshots fired by unidentified assailants. Portnov had a controversial past, facing accusations of corruption and treason in Ukraine, and was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2021. The police are investigating the shooting as either politically motivated or a result of organized crime.
A suicide car bomb targeted a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least four children and injuring around 38 others. The bus was transporting students to an army-run school when the blast occurred. While no group has claimed responsibility, Pakistani officials have attributed the attack to ethnic Baloch separatists, specifically the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which has been linked to previous violence in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, suggesting it was orchestrated by India, a claim New Delhi has denied.
Pheobe Bishop, a 17-year-old girl, has been missing since May 15 after failing to board a flight from Bundaberg to Western Australia. Last seen near Bundaberg airport, police have declared her disappearance "suspicious" as she did not check in for her flight and has not been seen in CCTV footage. Investigators have seized a car believed to be involved and declared a property in Gin Gin a crime scene. Pheobe's family is deeply concerned and has been actively seeking information, while police are appealing for dashcam footage from the area around the time of her disappearance.
In a dramatic turn during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial, exotic dancer Sharay "The Punisher" Hayes testified about his encounters with Combs and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Hayes recounted how he discovered Combs' identity through a hotel welcome screen and described a series of sexual encounters where Combs allegedly watched and directed. Additionally, Cassie's mother testified about threats made by Combs, including demands for money and the potential release of explicit videos. The trial, which could lead to serious consequences for Combs, is ongoing as more witnesses are expected to testify.
German authorities arrested five teenagers on Wednesday, accused of being part of a far-right extremist group known as "Last Defense Wave." The group allegedly aimed to destabilize Germany's democratic system through violent attacks on migrants and political opponents. The arrests occurred during early morning raids across various locations, involving searches at 13 properties. Four of the suspects are charged with membership in a domestic terror organization, while the fifth is accused of supporting the group. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed concern over the youth of the suspects, highlighting a troubling trend in right-wing extremism.
In a shocking incident on Tuesday, two top aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada were shot dead in a brazen daylight ambush in the Moderna neighborhood. The victims, Ximena Guzmán, the mayor's private secretary, and adviser José Muñoz, were attacked by gunmen on a motorcycle while waiting in their vehicle. Mayor Brugada condemned the killings, vowing to continue the fight against insecurity and ensure that justice is served. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, but analysts suggest it may be linked to organized crime, reflecting the ongoing violence against public officials in Mexico.
In a dramatic jailbreak from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility on May 16, 2025, ten inmates escaped after breaching a wall behind a toilet. As of now, five remain at large, while one of the escapees, Corey Boyd, has been recaptured. A maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, has been arrested for allegedly aiding the escape by shutting off water supply under threat from an inmate. The incident has raised concerns about security lapses and possible insider assistance, prompting investigations and suspensions of jail staff.
